On this date in 1998, then-Texas Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry asked President Clinton for federal aid for Texas after the president pledged $100 million for farmers in 11 states who had lost their crops and livestock following 19 consecutive days of 100-degree weather.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

Temperature Rankings by Climate May-July, 1998

The heat led to 136 deaths across the United States. Victims of the heat wave were primarily poor elderly persons and children who lacked access to air conditioning. Forty-six of the victims were undocumented workers who were attempting to reach the U.S. border from Mexico.

On July 16, Texas had already lost 21 people to the heat. In Fort Worth, the weather also caused a water line to burst, sending six million gallons of water into the city and forcing residents to begin conserving water. Texas ended up receiving one-third of the federal aid.

Although the country was suffering a dry spell, the Southern and Western states were hardest hit because of prolonged drought and scorching temperatures. The Northern states had experienced a few days of rain that brought in a cool front and alleviated discomfort.

The heat wave and President Clinton’s pledge of relief placed Perry in front of national cameras. Perry appeared on numerous television news programs to discuss the situation in Texas and how the federal government might provide aid.

On July 24, Perry appeared on NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

“We’re certainly thankful that President Clinton declared Texas the disaster that it certainly is, and unfortunately, if this doesn’t break … we may be looking at the largest single natural disaster in Texas history,” Perry said.

After thanking the president, the commissioner pressed for additional funds for Texas’ agricultural industry. Perry cannily described the heat’s effects on livestock production in Texas. The Lone Star State produced the greatest number of cattle, Perry explained, but without feed to supply the livestock, many cattle died of starvation and heat stroke and were no longer suitable for the beef market.

Talking to his first national audience, Perry observed the weather was halting the production of milk, handicapping the dairy industry in Texas and reducing the American food supply. He argued farming had become so dire that Texas needed additional stimulus relief to avoid adverse economic impacts.

“Literally everyone’s livelihood rotates around agriculture,” he said. “This isn’t just about a farmer and a rancher. It’s about the individuals who live in our small rural communities.”

AP photo

Gov. Rick Perry

The Texas drought was bad for farmers and ranchers &#151 as well as many consumers who saw the price of beef spike &#151 but it was good for Perry. He demonstrated he could secure aid from an unlikely ally, Democratic President Bill Clinton, and successfully obtain aid from the federal government as a means to stimulate the state’s economy.